Key retractor



March 14, 1950 J. MULLAN 2,500,198

KEY RE'ITRACTOR Filed Oct. 25, 1946 JbsEPH MULLH 'Atturnng Patented Mar. 14, 1950 UNITED STATES FTENT OFFICE KEY BETRACTOR Joseph 'Mullan, Baltimore, Md.

Application October 25, 1946, Serial No. 705,782

3 Claims.

This invention relates to keys for looks and more especially to an arrangement for containing and holding them conveniently in the pocket of the user, and at the same time capable of being brought into operable use.

It is thepurpose of this invention to provide a new and improved key unit that will avoid "one or more of the disadvantages and limitations of the prior art.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a new and improved key unit that will have its key arranged to quickly snap out of the lock it is used with into the hand of the user.

A further object of the invention is to provide a new and improved key unit that will be relatively compact and aiiord a convenient and protective encompassment for the key when not in use and at the same time avoid damage to the pocket of the user.

Other objects will become apparent as the invention is more fully set forth.

For a clearer understanding of the invention reference is made to the appended drawings indicating a particular form of the invention by way of example, together with the following description thereof, while the scope of the invention is particularly pointed out in the claims.

In the drawings:

Figure 1 is a plan view of a key-holding and manipulating unit embodying this invention;

Figure 2 is a side view of Figure 1;

Figure 3 is a front end view of Figure 5;

Figure 4 is a rear end view of Figure 5, and

Figure 5 is a sectional view taken along the line 5-5 of Figure 1.

Similar reference characters pertain to the same parts throughout the drawings.

In the construction outlined in the drawings, a casing in of bullet like form serves as an enclosure for a conventional key I I (shown dotted) of the so-called Yale type. This key in this in stance is particularly intended for automotive vehicle use and doors of buildings, where it is desirable to remove the key from the lock when not actually operating it. The casing is made with lateral longitudinal slots I2 in which the sides of the key head can slide and be guided thereby. Holes l4 above the slots l2 are provided for the passage of a ball chain l5 having a fastener I6 for joining its ends. When the chain is properly inserted, it crosses the interior I! within the casing transversely so as to block the removal of the key after it is placed therein. At the same time sufficient slack is left in the chain to permit it to be attached to a key ring or trousers chainin the usual manner. A pin 18 with a rivet head i 9 and'a removal :head '20 travels in slot-like openings 2|. It crosses the interior H of the casing through the hole usually provided in the key head and holds the key within restricted limits of the casing. These openings 2! are in a position at right angles to the slots [2 and much shorter in length. The front portion 22 of the casing l I is rounded and formed with an orifice 23 through which the shank of the key can project when used. A coil spring 24 is disposed within the interior of the circular casing l0 and rests on a circular shelf 25.

The rear end portion of the spring engages the head of the key I l and is tensioned to resiliently press against it. When the key is pressed upon by the user, the spring is compressed to allow the shank to project from' the casing and be ready for insertion in a look. When in the lock and turned to operate the latter, the shank becomes tied in to the lock and is prevented from returning back into the casing at that position. The front portion 22 of the casing is held against the face of the lock. The key is turned by the manipulation of the casing or of the key head, in the hand of the user. The key is removed or placed in the casing by the detachment of the chain l5 and the pin [8 to permit which ever object is to be attained.

The particular features of this invention are based on the facts that it is short and compact. This is provided for in the use of a spring surrounding the key instead of extending exteriorly thereto and pressing against the key as if it were an extension to it. The bullet end portion 22 serves to permit adjustment angularly when the key is inserted or removed, to a limited extent. The orifice 23 keeps the key shank straight and enables the casing to press against its side for operating it. The key itself is covered during all operations, except that portion actually used to turn the lock. The casing is in one part. If preferred, a cylindrical cap 30 of flanged form may be slid over the end to hold the key head below the chain l5, and serve as a pusher for the key.

While but one general form of the invention is shown in the drawings and described in the specifications, it is not desired to limit this application for patent to this particular form or in any other way otherwise than limited by the scope thereof, as it is appreciated that other forms of construction could be made that would use the same principles and come within the scope of the appended claims.

Having thus described the invention, what is claimed is:

1. An ejector mechanism for keys comprising a cylindrical housing having diametrically opposed longitudinal slots to guide the head of a key, said housing having an abutment therein, a compression spring resting against said abutment at one end and adapted to rest against the head of the key at its opposite end, said housing also having opposed longitudinal slots situated at right angles to said first mentioned slots and of shorter length, an element slidable through said shorter slots and adapted for engagement with the head of the key to limit travel of the key in the housing, said housing having a front aperture to permit passage of the shank of the key when the head of the key is forced against said spring.

2. In an ejector mechanism as set forth in claim 1, a cylindrical cap slidable over said housing, said cap having a flange engageable with the head of the key to force the key outwardly of said housing.

3. An ejector mechanism for keys comprising a cylindrical housing having diametrically opposed longitudinal slots to guide the head of a key, said housing having an abutment therein, a compression spring resting against said abutment at one end and adapted to rest against the head of the key at the opposite end, said housing also having opposed longitudinal slots at right angles to said first mentioned slots and of shorter length, an element guided by said shorter slots and adapted for engagement with the head of the key to limit travel of the key in the housing, said housing having a front aperture to permit passage of the key shank therethrough, a cylindrical cap slidable over said housing, said cap having a flange engageable with the head of the key to force the key shank outwardly of said housing through said front aperture, and means at the back end of the casing to prevent removal of said cap and to afford an attachment of the device on the bearer thereof.

JOSEPH MULLAN.

REFERENCES CITED The following references are of record in the file of this patent:

UNITED STATES PATENTS 25 Number Name Date 1,745,836 Miller et a1 Feb. 4, 1930 2,076,895 Johnston Apr. 13, 1937 

